GGC also offers an ag video for election candidates.   Ottawa—There are enough ideas in the federal election requests from key farm organizations to keep the next agriculture minister mighty busy. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Grain Growers of Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario outlined their ideas to make agrifood an even more important component of the national economy within hours of the Sept. 20 election being called. CFA President Mary Robinson wants the political parties to prioritize agriculture in their election platforms as a means of spurring Canada's economic recovery. The potential for agriculture to be an economic engine as well as an important ally in the fight against climate change needs to be fully recognized. Increasing funding for the next iteration of the Agriculture Policy Framework scheduled to start in 2023 is a top priority, she said. “This additional support would position government and producers as partners in the response to the impacts of climate change and fully embrace their potential as climate-solutions providers. The ongoing extreme drought conditions across Canada demonstrate the important role Canada's agricultural policy framework plays in responding to climate change.” Along with plenty of ideas, Grain Growers of Canada even offered a video to reinforce its message. It “highlights the support we need to unlock Canada's limitless potential for agriculture,” says GGC chair Andre Harpe. “All we need is a willing partner from our next federal government – whomever that may be.” GGC's priorities include improvements to business risk management and research funding as well as breaking down trade barriers to aid the sector to move into a post-pandemic economic recovery. “Our message is that farmers are ready to get to work,” Harpe said. “We are already at the forefront when it comes to creating wealth and economic growth, while leading our nation's fight against climate change. Now it is time to take another step forward.” Grain Farmers of Ontario said its requests “are specifically designed to promote the sustainability of grain farming for the future and to ensure that farmers can continue to do the important work they do to provide safe healthy food and help the environment.” GFO Chair Brendan Byrne said it is “vital that candidates in this federal election recognize the value that Ontario grain farmers bring to this country and that they work with us to protect the planet, our local communities, and the healthy food we grow.” It wants improved Business Risk Management programs that work for more farmers, a low carbon tool box for grain farmers that helps Canada achieve net zero objectives and preservation of existing markets as well as new customers for grains and oilseeds. “Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry is a key driver of Canada's economy. It contributes over $142 billion (6.7 per cent) to Canada's GDP annually and employs 2.3 million people. Canada's grain industry is poised to drive a much-needed post-pandemic economic recovery.” Robinson said “Canadian agriculture has been repeatedly identified by the government and financial institutions as a sector that can achieve incredible growth. Our natural resources are one of Canada's strongest foundations. Yet consecutive governments have failed to provide any kind of increase in consistent funding to actually achieve this growth, failing to even keep up with inflation. Farming and food production is truly an essential industry, and we need to see actions that support and propel the industry to new heights.” More details of the requests from the three organizations are available on their websites as is the GGC video. Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.